The 21-year-old Eastmond, who missed last year's Four Nations Series through injury, is currently the subject of intense speculation linking him with a switch of codes.

On his club form so far this season, Eastmond would struggle to reclaim his international place, but McNamara's enlarged squad will form the nucleus of the national team up to the 2013 World Cup and beyond so his omission appears to be further evidence that his move to Bath is virtually sealed.

Left out: Kyle Eastmond is not included in Steve McNamara's 32-man squad

Among new six uncapped players in the squad are Huddersfield scrum-half Danny Brough, who captained Scotland in the 2008 World Cup in Australia before switching his allegiance to England.

He reverted to the Scots for last year's European Cup after missing out on McNamara's Four Nations touring party but has been in outstanding form for the Giants so far this year.

Other players switching countries are Wigan forwards Michael McIlorum and Paul Prescott, who have represented Ireland in the past, while the other new faces are Hull KR pair Liam Watts and Kris Welham and Leeds' exciting full-back Ben Jones-Bishop.

Castleford centre or second rower Brett Ferres is a surprise inclusion while there are recalls for Eastmond's half-back partner at St Helens, Leon Pryce, and Leeds scrum-half Rob Burrow, who have not played for England since the 2008 World Cup.

The squad includes 15 players who were involved in the 2010 Four Nations but there are some notable omissions.

Former St Helens prop Maurie Fa'asavalu, now in rugby union with Harlequins, and Hull's former Castleford loose forward Joe Westerman are the only players left out of the original 17-strong elite training squad named by McNamara's predecessor Tony Smith in May 2009.

Slow start: Eastmond has not been at his best so far this campaign

Australia-based England internationals Sam Burgess, Gareth Ellis and Gareth Widdop have not been included because they will not be available until the end of the season.

McNamara, who is in his first full season as national coach, will make his first selection for the planned mid-season game against an international XIII in June before turning his attention to the Four Nations Series to be held in England and Wales in October and November.

The new Knights squad is made up of 25 players from 11 Super League clubs with an average age of 21 who will effectively play as England A and negotiations are under way to find them opponents for 2011.

'These are two very exciting squads whose participation in the programmes we are putting together will help us realise our ambition to win the Rugby League World Cup in 2013,' said McNamara.

Excited: Steve McNamara believes his young England side are capable of winning the 2013 World Cup

'There is a terrific blend of youth and experience in the ETS and I'm sure all the players involved, especially the younger element, will benefit from working alongside each other over the months and years to come.

'Both programmes are designed to create enhanced player development and, while some players will not be involved in the World Cup come 2013, there are players in both squads who we fully expect will feature in that tournament and the World Cup in 2017.'

The ETS and Knights will get together for the first time next week for the first of three two-day camps scheduled for this year.